Wednesday, September 26, 2007

I loved this blog, especially the bit about Bloody Marys. For those of you that have been following me for a while, you will remember that in my interview for joebartender.com, i listed my pet peeve as people that order bloody marys after 8pm.

I really don't mind making mojitos, so if I ever look disgusted when you order one..it is because I feel sorry for the 20 other people waiting for drinks. So come on out and order one some night when I am slow...i will put lots of love into it...

Do not over-muddle the mint, or muddle the lime with the ice cubes. These are strictly amateur moves.

Do try Bacardi rum in your mojitos. For many of us, it is the closest thing we can get to real Cuban rum.

Do not use dark or gold rum in your mojitos. They can muddy the flavor tremendously.

Do use bottled mineral water in place of seltzer water. Remember, garbage in, garbage out.

Do not order a mojito when there is a line at the bar. Your bartender is probably not going to put a lot of love into it. In fact, you might get just the opposite.

Do order a mojito when the bar is slow. Your bartender will appreciate having an intricate cocktail to make. And if he/she doesn't? Fuck 'em.

Do not have ten mojitos tonight. At around 150 calories each, that's like 1500 calories, there, fatty.

Do order a mojito from a reputable bartender at a reputable bar.

Do not order a mojito at a dance club, sports bar, drink stand, airport bar, OTB saloon, chain restaurant or fraternity house. You're just going to end up being disappointed.

Do order a mojito on a warm summer evening.

Do not order a mojito when the weather is below 70°F. This is almost as bad as ordering a Bloody Mary after the sun has gone down.

Do slowly sip a mojito and enjoy the way the flavors meld over time.

Do not slurp down a mojito in less time than it took your bartender to make it. You're probably already on the back burner for ordering it in the first place, and it's going to be a while before you're allowed another.

Sunday, September 09, 2007

So my friends John & Sandee came into the Lion tonight. Whenever they take a night out from being parents, they always stop by to see me.

John & Sandee were the founders of the Phlockers of Flagler, a local Parrothead club.

For those that keep up with my drink recipes in my blog or at tikitender.com, Sandee was the inspiration for Sandee's Dirty Snatch. Here is a picture of her enjoying it tonight. It was quite fun when people at the bar were asking what I was making. I always giggle when I get a chance to say "Wanna little taste of Sandee's Dirty Snatch?" only to hear someone say "Sandy's Dirty Snatch is delicious!".

Anywhoo (smile), I was admiring John's new shirt throughout the night. Towards last call he said "I don't own an official Golden Lion shirt. What's your uniform policy?" I didn't quite understand so he said "I wanna trade shirts." So i took of my GL shirt behind the bar and trades him. Woohoo! Sandee was kind enough to take pictures. :-)

So..here I am with my brand new Tiki Shirt!!!!!

And a couple of me working the bar in my new threads. I should rally to make this my uniform!

Tuesday, September 04, 2007

Last summer, thanks to the help of friends and customers (is there a difference?), I was namedFlorida's Favorite Bartender by Backstage Pass Magazine. Let's do it again!!!! Voting for the 9th Annual is open now!Visit www.backpassmag.com, look on the left column below the page index, and click on "9th Annual Florida's Favorite". Under Nightclubs & Bars find Favorite Bartender and fill in my name and bar (Mark Woods-Golden Lion). Let's show 'em last year wasn't a fluke! Thanks in advance and remember you can only vote once.